Zimbabwe out of world Twenty20
4:42pm Wednesday 20th August 2008
Zimbabwe have confirmed they will take no part in next summer's World Twenty20 in England.
Scotland will join the elite tournament instead, after the International Cricket Council and Zimbabwe Cricket on Wednesday ratified a decision initially agreed at the world governing body's annual conference in Dubai two months ago.
Contrary to reports that Zimbabwe were beginning to waver on the offer to withdraw they made back in June, they and ICC president David Morgan, vice-president Sharad Pawar and chief executive Haroon Lorgat have agreed the arrangement will stand.
The ICC averted a potential crisis when it emerged from the annual conference that Zimbabwe were prepared to forego their place at the Twenty20.
The British Government had already cancelled a bi-lateral one-day international series between England and Zimbabwe in this country, scheduled at the start of next summer, on account of the disgraced regime of Robert Mugabe which still prevails in the African country.
It was therefore highly unlikely Britain would issue visas to Zimbabwe players and officials for the World Twenty20.
A consensus appeared beyond the ICC member countries, with an Asian block vote favouring Zimbabwe - and it was therefore championed as a winning compromise when ZC agreed unilaterally to opt out.
After Wednesday's confirmation, Morgan reiterated: "We are grateful to Zimbabwe Cricket for confirming the decision taken by its officials during annual conference week.
"This allows the ICC the opportunity to plan with certainty the ICC World Twenty20 2009 - as well as giving Scotland, the side set to step up in Zimbabwe's place, plenty of preparation time ahead of the tournament."
Our Top Stories
Neighbours in hostel protest
ANGRY residents have signed a petition in protest at a bail hostel which they claim is making their lives a misery.
Knill hits market for new signings
ALAN Knill is aiming to strengthen his squad with new signings ahead of Saturday’s visit of Gillingham.
BNP members’ details leaked on to the internet
THE personal details of British National Party members, including 52 living in the borough, have been leaked onto the internet.
Road plan given the hump
ROAD humps that were placed on Melton Drive, Hollins, as part of a major roadworks plan will be removed, Whitefield and Unsworth Local Area Partnership (LAP) has ruled.
Five-star charity treat
PATISSERIE Slattery’s is staging a five-star treat for charity by staging an open evening to give visitors a chance to see how the business runs, try their hand at tasks such as icing biscuits, and feast their eyes on the chocolate fountain.
Metrolink network reopens for Christmas shopping
The Metrolink network will be back up to full strength in time for the Christmas rush as the Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens stops reopen tomorrow.
Bolton stab death: Man remanded on murder charge
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Bolton man Parwar Mulad, who died just seconds after arriving at a friend’s house.
Woman survives 40ft bridge fall
A 20-YEAR-OLD woman was rescued after falling 40ft from a bridge and landing on rubble alongside a river.
Search to find a star
THE organisers of Bury’s Got Talent are widening the net to find the stars of tomorrow.
Beware illegal gym ‘gift letter’
Residents are being warned about a letter which is being sent out claiming that local businesses want to give them a gift.
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
